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6 ft wide × 15 ft long shallow basin
Half a day

Rain Garden

A shallow, planted basin that captures runoff, recharges groundwater, and turns a soggy problem spot into a pollinator oasis.

Estimated time

Half a day

Lifespan

Permanent landscape feature

Soil needed

Native soil amended with compost

Weight empty

N/A

Weight full

N/A

Best for

Slowing runoff, filtering roof or driveway water, and growing moisture-loving plants

Placement

Dig on a gentle slope at least 10 feet from foundations. Direct a downspout or natural flow into the upper end.

Shallow rain garden basin along a house foundation with river stone edging and native plants
A shallow basin captures runoff and soaks it into the ground within a day
Downspout pouring water onto river stones at the rain garden inlet
Stone at the inlet slows the flow and prevents gullying

Parts to Buy

PartQuantityWhat You Use Them For
Shredded hardwood mulch3–5 bagsTop dressing
Rain garden plants12–20Wet-to-dry zone plantings
River stone1/4 cubic yardInflow pad to prevent erosion
Compost1–2 cubic ftSoil amendment
  • ·Optional: downspout extension or splash block
  • ·Optional: rain barrel upstream to slow the flow

Steps

  1. 1Observe where water naturally flows and pools during a heavy rain.
  2. 2Mark a shallow bowl shape 6–8 inches deep at the lowest point — this is a rain garden, not a long contour swale.
  3. 3Dig a test hole, fill it with water, and check it the next day. If it still holds water, pick a better-draining spot.
  4. 4Remove sod and loosen soil, mixing in compost; keep the bottom flat and the sides gently sloping.
  5. 5Place river stone where water enters to prevent gullying.
  6. 6Create an overflow path on the downhill side for storms that overfill the basin.
  7. 7Plant moisture lovers in the bottom and drought-tolerant species on the rim.
  8. 8Mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch away from plant stems.
  9. 9Direct a downspout into the upper end, but keep the flow aimed away from the foundation.

Tools needed

  • ·Shovel
  • ·Wheelbarrow
  • ·Rake
  • ·Hand trowel

Common mistakes to avoid

  • ·Digging a swale instead of a shallow basin — this page is a rain garden, not a contour swale
  • ·Making it too deep — water should drain within 24 hours
  • ·Planting drought-loving plants in the bottom
  • ·No overflow route — heavy rain washes it out
  • ·Compacting the soil while digging

Maintenance tips

Mulch with shredded bark. Weed regularly the first two years. Add new plants if erosion exposes soil.

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